Celery Salad With Apples And Pecans
A crisp, refreshing celery salad with sweet apple, crunchy pecans, and a creamy Dijon lemon dressing, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- With a paring knife, cut away the coarse outer layer of the celery.
- Cut the celery into chunks suitable for grating.
- Using a large grater or food processor, grate approximately 3 cups of celery.
- Peel, core, and grate the apple; add it to the grated celery.
- In a bowl, beat together the egg yolks, Dijon mustard, salt, and white pepper.
- Gradually add the light vegetable or peanut oil, drop by drop at first, then continue beating in very gradually until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Add lemon juice to taste and mix well.
- Pour the dressing over the grated celery and apple mixture.
- Fold in the coarsely chopped toasted pecans just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider using a light mayonnaise in place of some of the oil. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, a drizzle of honey can enhance the apple's tartness. When grating, choose a firm, crisp apple like a Granny Smith for the best texture. This salad can be made ahead; just add the pecans right before serving to maintain their crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side for summer barbecues. You can also serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Broccoli Chicken Rice to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may separate, so give it a good stir before serving. To refresh the salad, consider adding a bit more lemon juice or a splash of water to rehydrate the celery and apple.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Salad With Apples And Pecans contains roughly 395 calories, with 17g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1587mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy. You can also store the dressing separately and combine everything right before serving for optimal freshness.
What type of apple works best for this recipe?
A tart apple such as Granny Smith is ideal for this salad, as its crisp texture and acidity balance the richness of the dressing. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter profile if desired.
Can I substitute the egg yolks in the dressing?
Absolutely! If you're looking for an egg-free option, you can use a vegan mayonnaise or a silken tofu blend to achieve a creamy texture. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, since different bases may vary in flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).